The world of family-run businesses can often be as rich in drama as it is in success, and the story of the Chant family is no exception. Amy Chant, the matriarch and founder of the renowned Chat Thai restaurant chain, left behind not just a culinary legacy but also a multi-million dollar fortune that has become the center of a heated legal battle between her children.

Amy Chant's journey began with a single restaurant in Darlinghurst, Sydney's bustling CBD, 35 years ago. Her vision and culinary expertise led to the expansion of Chat Thai to eight locations across the city, making it a beloved staple for Thai cuisine enthusiasts. Sadly, Amy's life was cut short in 2021 when she succumbed to brain cancer, but her entrepreneurial spirit and the empire she built remain a testament to her hard work and dedication.

Chat Thai popularised Asian flavours throughout their 32 years of service. Image Credit: Instagram/Chat Thai

However, Amy's death opened the floodgates to a bitter dispute that has pitted sibling against sibling. The heart of the conflict lies in two wills left by Amy—one executed in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, and the other in Thailand. These documents outlined the division of her assets, including the Chat Thai restaurant chain, properties in Australia and Thailand, and the CT Group parent company.

The NSW will appeared to distribute the assets fairly between her daughter, Palisa Anderson, and her son, Pat Laoyont. Palisa was bequeathed part ownership of a farm near Byron Bay and a property in Mosman, while Pat received real estate in Thailand. The shares of the CT Group were to be split equally, with Pat also inheriting the Chat Thai CBD restaurant.

However, the Thai will painted a different picture, granting Pat all the shares in the CT Group and the remainder of the estate. This stark contrast between the two wills sparked a legal war that would see the siblings clash in the Supreme Court.

Palisa, feeling slighted and left out, challenged the validity of the Thai will, suggesting that her mother's illness had impaired her capacity to make such decisions. She pointed to what she described as 'scatter-brained behaviour' exhibited by her mother around the time the will was changed. The court, however, heard a different narrative—one where Amy's trust in her son to carry on her legacy was clear.

Amy's brother, Bob, testified that Amy's decision to create the Thai will was influenced by her distrust of Palisa's husband, Matthew Anderson. Amy reportedly had concerns that Matthew sought to take control of her business empire, a sentiment echoed by the Thai lawyer who drafted the new will.

The court's decision ultimately rested on Amy's lucidity and intent. Despite Palisa's arguments, the court found that Amy had a 'clear understanding' of her actions. The judgement highlighted Amy's belief in her son's ability to run the business according to her wishes and her desire to keep her son-in-law at arm's length from the operations.

The appeal was dismissed, leaving Pat as the primary inheritor of Amy Chant's estate, and leaving the family divided not just by wealth, but by the emotional toll of a public legal feud.

This story serves as a cautionary tale about the importance of clear estate planning and the complexities that can arise when personal relationships and business interests collide. For our readers at the Seniors Discount Club, it's a reminder to ensure that your wills are up-to-date and reflect your current wishes, and to consider the potential impact on family dynamics.

Key Takeaways

• Amy Chant, founder of the Chat Thai restaurant empire, passed away in 2021 from brain cancer, leaving behind two wills.
• Her children, Palisa Anderson and Pat Laoyont, engaged in a bitter legal dispute over their mother’s multi-million dollar fortune.
• The NSW Supreme Court ruled in favour of the son, Pat Laoyont, granting him the majority of the estate.
• Palisa lost an appeal against the initial judgement, with the court finding Amy Chant had a clear understanding of her actions when making her will.

We invite you to share your thoughts and experiences with estate planning and family business. Have you faced similar challenges? How have you navigated the delicate balance between family ties and financial matters? Your insights could be invaluable to others facing similar situations. Join the conversation in the comments below.

 

[Jo Piper3]

So sad how money can impact family relationships.

 

[MariaG]

Been through it in my family, and we are nowhere near that kind of wealth. More like thousandaires.
Greed brings out the worst in people.
Very important to have your will clear, concise and if there are any issues that may cause anxiety, have your reasoning properly noted.
I lost half my family after my mum passed. I wouldn't wish the trauma attached to that unsavoury episode on my worst enemy.

 

[maxtyson]

Yes I have been their. When I had money people treated me very differently to now that I dont have money.Which do I prefer now without a doubt.

 

[Barbara V]

Yes all the nasties seem to emerge from the woodwork . Relations who never visited foremost As the old saying goes ( you can choose your friends but not your relatives ). I have a sign on my gate friends welcome some relatives by appointment only .

 

[Gsr]

Sad result for the daughter who through no fault of her own, but because of who she married, has been left out of the mothers will. Another estranged family left behind by the mother.

 

[novezar]

Looks as though a couple of lawyers are going to make a lot of dough.